Why become a Referee?
Soccer has long been one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. However, one important part of the sport in the US has been struggling to keep up with this growth: Referees. With more leagues, clubs, teams, and tournaments popping up every day, the nation's supply of referees needs to grow too!
Becoming a referee is a great way to give back to your soccer community (many of our ABYSA and HFC staff members regularly help referee local games at various ages and levels), but it's also a great way to make money for players, parents, and family members that may already be at the fields all weekend or just want a side income where you can have a say in how much work you do each weekend!
How do I start Refereeing?
1) All North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA) Referees must be at least 14 years old
2) See the simplified referee development pathway below
Basic Referee
Development Pathways
| NC Referee Academy | NCYSA Certified Referee | NC Ref Academy
-> NCYSA Certified* |
| Competitive Levels Covered | Recreation
| Recreation, Academy
and Classic | Depends on development
within program |
| Age Groups Covered | 7U-10U | 7U-19U
Depends on the experience level
and certifications | 7U-19U
Depends on the experience level
and certifications |
| Certification Required | None | Yes
*see below for more information | Not for Academy Ages |
| Pay Level | Set amount by age group
($) | Varies based on experience,
certifications, and
competitive level
($$-$$$) | Varies based on experience,
certifications, and
competitive level |
Contact Us
For more information on becoming a referee, please contact
Silver Weems
ABYSA Assistant Director of Recreation Soccer
[email protected]
*CLICK HERE for more information about becoming a CERTIFIED referee through the NC Soccer Referees Association
French Broad Soccer Officials Association is our local organization, to further the development of soccer officials in Western North Carolina.